The use of a radial access sleeve to facilitate the uptake and ergonomics from the left radial artery approach to cardiac catheterization.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac catheterization from the radial approach increases the safety profile for patients, decreases institutional costs, and increases patient satisfaction. The use of the left-radial approach (LRA) has typically been associated with ergonomic issues.

METHODS

The Radial Access Sleeve (RAS) provides a solution to difficult left radial access preps. Its circumferential sterile design allows for the arm to be manipulated across the body without compromising sterility and increasing staff efficiency. The RAS provides an expedient prep to minimize setup times, promotes better working platforms to mitigate ergonomic issues associated with the LRA approach.

RESULTS

Experience has shown reduction in prep times as compared with traditional drapes (where a sterile field must be constructed) is approximately 3.5-4.5 min with RRA prep. The LRA prep is significantly more, taking approximately 6-8 min to construct a LRA drag over. The RAS takes approximately 1.25 min to prep for right or left access site.

CONCLUSION

The RAS provides an ergonomic solution for the preparation of LRA and the sheath withdrawal technique can mitigate ergonomic issues associated with the LRA for operators.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The LRA approach to cardiac catheterization compared to femoral access can improve the safety profile of the procedure for patients. It may also reduce occupational radiation exposure for interventional cardiologists compared with the right-radial approach, and potentially improve throughput for catheterization laboratories.